Bye bye: Cheryl Cole is set to join Simon Cowell on the panel of the U.S., version of the X Factor in a multi-million pound move stateside

One of her acts was sent home this weekend, but it seems Cheryl Cole still has something to celebrate.

The 27-year-old has discovered that she’s landed a place on the judging panel of the U.S. version of The X Factor, according to a source, in a deal worth up to £3million.An insider had already suggested that Cole was a ‘good bet’ to join Simon Cowell on the show next year.

But on Saturday night, Mrs Cole was officially offered the job, the source said, only a week after executives from U.S. television network Fox flew in to watch the ITV talent show - and the judge - in action.

Cowell, 51, last week revealed that he planned to announce the judges for the U.S. version in December.

The multi-millionaire said: ‘I’m going to make an announcement within three or four weeks, which is going to tell everyone everything. There will be some surprises.’

He then revealed: ‘OK, one of the judges has quite long hair.’

Singer Nicole Scherzinger, who performed her new single Poison on Sunday night’s show, is also a favourite to join the judging panel after a successful stint standing in for Dannii Minogue at the auditions this summer.

Cheryl with her category on Sunday's results show: She joined the show two years ago

Mrs Cole is said to be keen to launch her music career in the U.S. and flew to meet record bosses at Universal earlier this month. They want to release her second solo album, Messy Little Raindrops, there next year.

Cowell helped the singer make the move away from her pop band Girls Aloud when he handed her the X Factor role two years ago.

Since then she has launched a successful solo music career – and increased her fame.

Mrs Cole, who has an estimated £10million fortune, will earn £1.5million for this series of the X Factor – but will make up to twice as much from her U.S. television deal, as the budget for the show is considerably larger.

The new look American Idol line-up: Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Cowell is hoping trounce the show with the US version of X Factor

She is already accustomed to the U.S. lifestyle, having spent weeks in Los Angeles working on her music and spending time with her close friend Derek Hough as she recovered from malaria.

She was in California as her divorce from her footballer husband Ashley Cole was finalised in October.

Friends of Mrs Cole said she was planning to make this series of the British X Factor her last in a bid to focus on breaking America.

However, she may not have to quit the UK version for the U.S. show as it is still not confirmed when, or if, the X Factor will return to UK screens next year.

A show source said: ‘When Cheryl goes to America she will also launch her music career there too.

Big move: Cheryl's relationship with dancer Derek Hough could also be a plus for her to move to the US

‘It’s the next part of her big plan, she’s an incredibly hard worker and she will definitely get a boost by appearing on the X Factor, which is set to be a sure-fire hit.’

Cowell quit American Idol this year to focus on the launch of X Factor USA.

When the British show finishes next month, Cowell will take a holiday and then start work in the U.S.

A source said: ‘This is everything to Cowell, he has to make sure it’s right.’

Happy families: I'm A Celebrity contestant Gillian McKeith is reunited with her daughters Skyler and Afton in Australia

After 17 days of moaning and annoying her campmates with her refusal to take part in trials, Gillian McKeith's time in the jungle has finally come to an end.

The nutritionist survived the jungle for over two weeks, but caused controversy with her frequent 'fainting', which was deemed 'fake' by many viewers and some of her fellow celebrities.

And Gillian said she was thrilled to be out of the camp, telling Ant and Dec: 'I'm so happy, I'm so happy I cannot tell you! I'm the happiest person alive.'

The 51-year-old was reunited with her daughters Skylar, 16, and Aston, 10, who flew in last week pleading for their mother's eviction.

Skylar McKeith-Magaziner, who greeted her mother off the bridge, told last week how she couldn't wait for the controversial contestant to be voted off the show.

‘To be honest, I would rather my mum comes out now rather than stay in that jungle,' she said upon her arrival in the Gold Coast.

'I want her out so that I know she is okay. I am worried about her. I know she would never quit the show, but now she can be evicted and I can get to see her.'

Her children and husband Howard, who accompanied the girls to Australia, were ecstatic when their wish was granted.

Excited: Gillian McKeith couldn't stop smiling after she was finally voted off I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Together again: Skylar greeted her mother as she walked free from camp

Despite her jubilant exit, Gillian declined to be interviewed on ITV morning shows Daybreak or Lorraine this morning.

Writing on her Twitter, Lorraine Kelly said: 'Well Gillian McKeith has decided not to come on Daybreak or my show - should I consider this a birthday pressie?'

Calls made to I'm A Celebrity by the Mail Online were yet to be answered.

Gillian spoke to Ant and Dec after her eviction about the numerous fainting attacks she suffered during her time on the show, insisting they weren't fake.

Gillian said: 'I have a history of fainting, it's not something that I would ever want to do - it feels horrible. When I stood up my legs felt like jelly and then I woke up with the mask on. It's horrible.'

Missing you: Gillian was happy to receive a care package from her family after Jenny, Stacey, Dom and Shaun won a secret mission for the group last week

Legendary: Gillian's many fainting attacks have becoming something of a legend and have gone down in I'm A Celebrity history

She also admitted she had no idea why she had decided to take part in the ITV show considering all her phobias.

Gillian, who took part in EIGHT Bushtucker Trials, said: 'I must have lost my marbles. I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't think I would be picked for all these trials, I thought I would be cooking all the time!'

And Gillian labelled taking part in the trials 'so draining', adding to Ant and Dec: 'The first day I thought that would be it and then each day it would start again and the anxiety levels grew into panic attack mode - I felt as thought I was on high alert all the time.

'I was petrified I was going to get to do more trials. I thought, I've had my Hallelujah moment, I don't want to ruin it.'

Time to go home: It was between Gillian and Aggro Santos, but viewers voted for Gillian to be evicted

Ecstatic: Gillian couldn't believe her luck when she was told she would be going home

The 51-year-old also spoke about the Dreaded Digger task, which Jenny Eclair had taken part in earlier in the show, but which she refused even to try.

She explained: 'I felt like I had a breakdown in that digger. I felt like I was so emotionally raw I had nothing left to give. I would have liked to have tried but my brain wouldn't kick in with all those levers and everything.

'I thought I was going to faint and there would be bugs all over me - I couldn't do it.'

During her interview with Ant and Dec, Gillian was shown footage of her numerous arguments with former Happy Mondays star Shaun Ryder, who was more than a little vocal about his dislike of the TV presenter.

Tentative: Gillian walked slowly across the bridge to meet Ant and Dec for her post-eviction interview

Revealing all: Gillian said she must have 'lost her marbles' by agreeing to go on the show

But Gillian said she doesn't hold a grudge, adding: 'The funny part is we got on sometimes but other times it was just frightening.

'He's a warm-hearted guy, he's kind and generous but there are times I just can't take the way he behaves.'

However, there was one celebrity Gillian connected with more than all the others - former X Factor star Stacey Solomon.

Asked who she wants to be crowned the winner of the show on Saturday, Gillian said: 'Stacey, without a doubt - she's definitely the Queen of the jungle in my book.'

Cringe-making: While Gillian deemed her fainting attacks 'embarrassing', she insisted they were entirely real

But it doesn't look like McKeith will be keeping in touch with former Bond girl Britt Ekland.

The Swedish actress vowed to not 'have anything to do with her' following the nutritionist's 'appalling' behaviour in the jungle.

She told The Sun: 'I found her behaviour and lack of knowledge about the show absolutely astounding for a professional woman. She is a fake - a bloody good fake but a bloody annoying one.'

And it's not just Ms Ekland who is questioning McKeith's professionalism.

The nutritionist's former publicist, Lucy Heather, says she believes she has 'committed career suicide.'

Heather told Reveal magazine: 'When I found out Gillian was going into the jungle, I actually thought it was a joke.

'Gillian is passionate about what she does for a living - she feels very strongly about people eating healthily.

'It's something she's very serious about - which is why going on I'm A Celeb... was such a bad idea.

'Her whole career is based on being credible and anyone watching her won't take her seriously anymore.'

'The family released a statement saying that they want to disassociate themselves from me. I don’t think they’re being very sensible about it, but if that’s what they want to do, then fine.

'I find it very hard. I have the right to live my life the way I want to, but it’s sad we can’t discuss it as grown-ups. If they’re not going to accept me for what I am, I’m not going to say sorry.'

Proud: Sheila insists she has nothing to apologise for about her choice of career

Asked if Katie and her family will ever accept the fact that she's a prostitute, Sheila replied: 'It’s very difficult to answer that.

'It’s still very raw and I understand it was a shock. I’d like to think they can come into this century and become more liberal.'

Sheila, who goes by the name Grand Dame Cecilia Bird on the website for escort agency Mature Courtesans, also spoke about what her work entails, admitting she has slept with over 100 men, ranging in age from 22 to their mid-60s, and earns around £300 to £400 a week.

And Sheila insisted she is proud of her career, adding: 'I have no inhibitions. I’m a good example for prudish people. It’s not the end of the world to be 70 or 80 years old. Live your life!'

Hard talk: X Factor reject Katie Waissel was on ITV1's This Morning when she came in for some uncomfortable questioning from Holly Willoughby and Ben Shephard, standing in for Phillip Schofield

On screen: Katie appeared to be remarkably positive and upbeat during her chat on the show despite being booted off the X Factor on Sunday night

Sheila has even set her sights on one of Katie's former X Factor pals, Wagner Carrilho.

She said: 'I usually like younger men but I would be happy if Wagner paid me a visit!'

Sheila also spoke about how it was having Katie as a grandaughter, saying her 'attention-seeking' side is anything but an act.

She said: 'She has always been a drama queen! Always seeking attention, right from the beginning!'

Katie, who was voted off The X Factor on Sunday night, spoke about the sex scandal on ITV1's This Morning yesterday, when she was asked by Ben Shephard - standing in for Phillip Schofield - whether they had been in contact.

Songbird: Katie arriving in the dark at the London Studios for her appearance on Daybreak after being voted off the X Factor on Sunday

That's my girl!: Katie catches up with her mother Diana for lunch after her day of breakfast television

Looking distinctly uncomfortable talking about the family feud, Katie said: 'Yes I have, but there wasn't really an explanation. I just think in life stuff happens and life is too short, you just have to pick yourself up and deal with things.'

She added that it hadn't affected her performances on the X Factor, saying: 'It's a personal and private matter. I separated that from the competition and kept my head held high.'

Katie's sister Natalie Davis said in a statement after the revelations: 'We were completely shocked and devastated to hear the news that my grandmother has been conducting immoral activities, including prostitution and pornography.

'We, as a family, disassociate ourselves wholly from these activities and from any future stories that arise from them.'

Also on This Morning yesterday, Katie slammed reports at the time that she had deliberately collapsed on an outing to Top Shop with other finalists in order to draw attention to herself and garner more column inches.

She stormed: 'That's so bad - I was actually really ill that day. I suffer from panic attacks... and I think that panic attacks should kind of be taken a little bit more seriously. I'd love to make people more aware of how many people do suffer from panic attacks.'

Ladies' men: One Direction's Liam Payne, left, and Harry Styles, right, get mobbed by fans as they arrive at a rehearsal studio in Battersea

Love in: One Direction's Zain Malik and Louis Tomlinson show their affection for Mary Byrne as they arrive at rehearsals yesterday

The wannabe also nixed speculation that she started the rumours that she and Matt Cardle had been found in bed together at the X Factor house, sparking a furious row with the former painter and decorator.

'No way!' she gasped. 'Matt is an amazing guy and very talented and it was so blown out of proportion, I didn't say anything. I'm still really surprised about where all these sparks come from. But he's a great guy. It's just really weird and I find it really bizarre.'

The finalist also said she was 'nervous' leaving the X Factor house after death threats had been made about her on the internet.

Countdown is progressing: Cher Lloyd and Matt Cardle arrive at rehearsal studios in south London ready for the semi-finals this weekend

Chic: Rebecca Ferguson arrives to practise her next song having survived through to the semis

She told Ben and co-host Holly Willoughby: 'I am a little nervous because we've been kept in this bubble for such a long period of time and protected but I just feel like this is a new chapter, and I'm just going to embrace whatever comes. Some [of the threats] did get serious and it's a weird one because I don't really want to think about it too much.'

It was Katie's third ITV1 interview of the morning, after chats to Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles on Daybreak, followed by an appearance on Lorraine Kelly.

Despite her diva reputation, Katie appears to be making a good impression post-X Factor.

Myleene Klass was also at ITV yesterday morning and told her fans on Twitter: 'In TM studios and just bumped into Katie Waissel. Can report not only does she not have horns, she's extremely sweet and humble.'

Monday, November 29, 2010

Crucified by pain: Peter Andre, seen here performing at BBC's Children In Need earlier this month, thought he was dying when he collapsed in excruciating agony on Friday

Peter Andre has told friends that he thought he was dying when he was rushed to hospital with stomach pains on Friday.

The star had to undergo emergency surgery in the medical drama which saw him raced to the Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Somerset, in the early hours of Friday morning.

A source close to the 37-year-old singer told the Daily Star that he told his friends and family 'I thought I was dead'.

The source continued: 'He was on all fours riddled with pain when his road manager walked into his room.

'Pete was really frightened for his life. He felt very disorientated and did not know what was wrong with him.

Although it has still not been revealed what Peter is suffering from, he made a speedy recovery from the surgery and was discharged last night.

He was due to play the Plymouth Pavilions on Friday night and Butlins in Minehead yesterday, but was forced to disappoint his fans.

The Butlins concert will now go ahead today instead.

Pete will not be able to dance but is promising the 'vocal performance of a lifetime'.

Better health: Pete looked chipper on a night out last week to celebrate his manager Claire Powell's birthday

A statement on Pete's website said: 'All other tour dates will be unaffected and will run to schedule. Peter would like to thank everyone for their support and their messages...

'We apologise to all of Peter's fans and appreciate their support and understanding.'

Andre's manager Claire Powell said the singer had been 'terribly disappointed' that he was unable to perform at Friday's sold-out show which was due to kick off his UK tour.

The Plymouth Pavilions gig was rescheduled to December 21.

Writing in his column for New! magazine this week, Pete revealed he'd been feeling ill for some time.

Drama: The announcement on Pete's official Twitter page that he'd been dashed into hospital

He wrote: 'I'm sorry to say that I haven't been feeling too great these last couple of weeks. I don't know what's wrong with me but I've got some ongoing health problems, and I've been having lots of tests at the hospital. I also had an MRI scan last week, so hopefully the doctors will get to the bottom of it soon.

'I just don't feel right and I'm gutted because I had to pull out of the Pride Of Britain Awards because I felt so rough. Hopefully, I'll be on the mend soon though.'

Pete also complained of stomach pains last week on his ITV2 reality TV show and has previously suffered from gallstones.

In July he also had a heart scare and was treated by paramedics after collapsing while out jogging and had a brush with meningitis in 2007.

He has two children with former wife Katie Price, Junior, four, and Princess Tiaamii, two - alongside Price's son Harvey with footballer Dwight Yorke.

It was left to Alesha Dixon to offer the only encouragement to the former MP for Maidstone and Weald. 'Kate Winslet eat your heart out,' the singer yelled as Widdecombe composed herself after the rumba.

Moment of truth: Patsy seen here with dance partner Robin Windsor and, right Gavin Henson who was also in the bottom two with his partner Katya Virshilas

She is not the only one at risk of elimination next week unless her performance picks up.

Rugby star Gavin Henson narrowly avoided the chop, coming second bottom to Patsy Kensit, when the judges scores and viewers votes were combined.

The Welsh centre failed to impress with his dance to Outkast's Hey Ya.'I really think you are giving Ann Widdecombe a run for her money,' Revel Horwood said.

Not all of the dancing stars were subjected to criticism in yesterday's show.Psychologist Pamela Stephenson topped the leaderboard.

They have filmed 'last tweet and testament' videos which will appear in ads showing them in coffins to represent what the campaign calls their digital deaths.

Lady Gaga has more than seven million Twitter followers - while 3.5 million have signed up for Justin Timberlake's tweets.

World AIDS day, held December 1, is about raising awareness about AIDS caused by the spread of the HIV infection.

AIDS had killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, latest figures have revealed.

Lady Gaga: Has Seven million followers on Twitter

Alica Keys is the first global ambassador the the Keep A Child Alive charity.

She said today that no celebrity had turned down her request to take part.

'Once I got people on the phone and I was able to paint the concept for them, everybody was in,' she said.

Leigh Blake, who is president and co-founder of the charity, said: 'We're trying to sort of make the remark: Why do we care so much about the death of one celebrity as opposed to millions and millions of people dying in the place that we're all from?'

Keys married rapper-producer Swizz Beatz in July.

Alicia Keys: Has been persuading celebrities to quit social networking sites in charity drive

-Show's two most controversial contestants sent packing -Cowell's relief as attempts to 'derail' show with a Wagner win fail -Rebecca, Cher, Matt, One Direction and Mary gear up for semi-finals

Dream is over: Wagner and Katie Waissel were booted off the X Factor tonight, missing out on a place in the semi-finals. Katie was the first to go, followed by Wagner after he faced Mary Byrne in the sing-off

Katie Waissel and Wagner have been dramatically booted off the X Factor in tonight's double eviction show.

Katie was first to go after receiving the least number of votes before Wager and Mary Byrne faced the sing-off.

The judges then chose to send the 54-year-old Brazilian home, with Louis, Dannii and Cheryl sealing his fate.

Simon Cowell was clearly relieved with the decision, commenting that internet campaigns for Wagner to win and so 'derail' the show, had not succeeded.

Tough talk: Cowell said he was pleased efforts to 'derail' the show had not been achieved, referring to internet campaigns for Wagner to win and so make a mockery of the programme

Cowell said that they had 'handed the show to the public' and Mary had 'sang him off the stage' in the sing-off.

In a bid to stay, Wagner performed the classic 1951 Nat King Cole hit Unforgettable in a pared down performance with no scantily clad female dancers.

Next up was Mary, who let her vocal chords loose on the Shirley Bassey track My Life.

Louis - who mentors both Mary and Wagner - was asked first by host Dermot who he was sending home and he chose Wagner.

Decision time: Louis, Cheryl and Dannii all chose to send Wagner home after his performance, sealing his fate, before Cowell agreed with their choice

Sing-off: Mary Byrne and Wagner perform in a bid to stay in the competition and make next week's semi-finals

Moment of truth: Wager threw his arms in the air upon being told he had been given the chop as a relieved Mary watched on

'Mary this is your life, so the act I am choosing to send home tonight is Wagner.'

Making her decision, Dannii said: 'I want to keep the person in who has heart and soul and a fantastic voice so I am going to send home Wagner.'

Cheryl followed suit, sealing his fate, by voting to send him home.

Good news: Rebecca Ferguson was the first to be told she had made the semi-finals

Over the moon: Matt Cardle and mentor Dannii Minogue punch the air after getting the green light while, right, Cher hugs Katie after being told she was safe

Talking about their fractious relationship, after he told an undercover reporter she was 'just a girl from a council estate who got lucky', Cheryl said: 'Wagner I know me and you haven't always seen eye to eye.

'But you have been a gracious man and apologised to me and I accept that.'

Simon then agreed with the decision, clearly pleased that internet campaigns for Wagner to win the show and make a mockery of it had not succeeded.

Jumping for joy: Simon Cowell's only remaining act One Direction leap in the air after making it through

'I am happy with the decision because there were people out there trying to derail this show for whatever reason and tonight we have handed this show back to the public and, no disrespect Wagner, but tonight Mary sang you off the stage.'

Katie thanked everyone for their support after she was given the news by host Dermot O'Leary, saying: 'I am just grateful to have gotten this far.

'Thank you to everyone for keeping me in this long and I hope that I have inspired people and shown that no matter how many times you get knocked you can still keep going.'

Battle of the cleavage: Judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii both wore low cut numbers, see with Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh

Dermot announced the four acts that were safe first which were, 'in no particular order', Rebecca Ferguson, Matt Cardle, Cher Lloyd and One Direction.

Earlier in the show Dermot warned that the voting was 'very close'.

X Factor guest judge and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger took to the stage with a spectacular showcase of her new single Poison, performing as a solo artist for the first time.

Spectacular: Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and guest X Factor judge performed her new single Poison on the show, the first time she has hit the stage as a solo artist

Sultry: The singer dressed in a stunning red and black catsuit design, throwing off her trench coat midway through the performance

Laser show: The energetic performance, complete with laser show, wowed the judges and the audience

Dressed in a revealing black and red catsuit, the 32-year-old was backed by an army of dancers as she strutted her stuff around the stage. Her motor racing boyfriend Lewis Hamilton was in the audience too.

New British boyband The Wanted also performed on the show as did U.S. teen sensation Justin Bieber with a mash up his tracks Somebody To Love and Baby, which he appeared to mime.

Speaking after the energetic routine, the 16-year-old said he wasn't at all nervous about performing in front of Simon Cowell, saying: I wasn't that nervous. I was pretty cool, pretty calm, pretty collected.'

Teen sensation: Justin Bieber performed Somebody To Love and Baby, which he appeared to mime

Turning on the charm: He then flirted with Cheryl Cole, saying hello to her suggestively

He then promptly flirted with Cheryl Cole after thanking his fans for all their support.

'I want to say hello to hello Cheryl Cole, hello,' he said, waving at the judge from her seat and raising his eyebrows.

Cheryl reacted by laughing and looking a little embarrassed. Dermot then said: 'Cracking on to Cheryl Cole. What a precocious young man.'

New kids on the block: Upcoming British boyband The Wanted performed their new single on the show